Andrew Benett Joins Arnold Worldwide as Global CEO

NEW YORK, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Arnold Worldwide announced today that Euro RSCG veteran Andrew Benett will join the creative communications agency as its global CEO. He will lead the worldwide Arnold micronetwork, which delivers creativity, strategy and integration to clients including McDonald's, Hershey's, Volvo, Ocean Spray, Carnival Cruise Lines, Brown-Forman, Fidelity and, most recently, Panasonic Consumer Electronics and Mike's Hard Lemonade. Arnold's eight offices are located in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., London, Madrid, Milan, Prague and Lisbon.

Benett, 38, joins Arnold after five years at sister agency Euro RSCG in New York, where he most recently served as co-CEO of that office and chief strategy officer for Euro's global network of more than 233 offices. During his tenure in New York, the profile and size of Euro's office there grew substantially, fueled by strong organic growth, rapid digital expansion and innovative acquisitions. The agency also won such well-known clients as Jaguar, NYSE, global Hyatt, Kraft and Heineken during that time. Benett oversaw the merger of Euro's digital agency and the main agency; Euro RSCG New York's strengths in global marketing and digital marketing have been recognized as key drivers in the agency's success.

"We have big ambitions for Arnold as a global micronetwork, and I'm delighted to appoint Andrew to this new position to ensure we achieve them," said David Jones, global CEO of Havas Worldwide and Euro RSCG Worldwide, to whom Benett will report. "I've worked very closely with Andrew since hiring him in 2004. He's very strong strategically, has excellent creative judgment and has extensive experience working on major global brands. He's a genuinely great guy, a team player and the perfect fit for this key role. It's a great move for him and for Arnold."

"Andrew is a brilliant CEO with an outstanding track record," said Arnold Chairman Ed Eskandarian. "His strategic strengths, global experience and deep experience with digital marketing are all things our clients will find beneficial. I'm also confident his passion for great creative and long-lasting client relationships will help our brand grow for years to come."

Before joining Euro's leadership team, Benett spent many years in the brand-consulting business, previously with FutureBrand, part of McCann Worldgroup. Clients he counseled there include InterContinental Hotels Group, Ford of Europe, Marriott, British Airways and Wendy's International. Benett began his career in brand management in Milan, Italy, for a European pet-care manufacturer.

"Arnold Worldwide is one of the best agency brands and has one of the most impressive rosters of clients in the industry," said Benett. "I look forward to joining a talented team and making it even stronger. Strengthening brand planning, building a first-class global network and making digital number one for every Arnold employee are some of my priorities coming in."

Benett will move to Boston this summer with his wife, Kate, and his two young children. He will begin to transition into his new role at Arnold immediately. Benett is a graduate of Deerfield Academy and has a B.F.A. in art history with a minor in psychology from Georgetown University. He recently co-authored Good for Business: The Rise of the Conscious Corporation, a book about corporate social responsibility and corporate governance. Although currently a Knicks fan, Benett promises to try and become a Celtics fan.

After 16 years with Arnold, Fran Kelly will move from CEO to become vice chairman. Ed Eskandarian remains as Arnold Worldwide's chairman and a member of the Havas board of directors.

Jeff Brooks, Benett's co-CEO at Euro RSCG New York, will remain in that position. Pete Zillig, president of global brands for Euro RSCG Worldwide, currently based in London, will relocate to New York to join Brooks as co-CEO.

About Arnold

Arnold is a creative communications agency focused on delivering strong business results for brands such as Panasonic Consumer Electronics, Mike's Hard Lemonade, McDonald's, Jack Daniel's, Hershey's, Ocean Spray, Volvo, Fidelity Investments, Carnival Cruise Lines, truth® and more. Arnold believes Great Work Works and is committed to providing clients with a return on idea that drives a business forward. The agency delivers services across all communication touchpoints under one bottom line, fueling holistic integrated programs. Arnold is owned by Havas and has offices in London, Prague, Milan, Lisbon, Madrid, Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.

About Havas Worldwide

Havas (Euronext Paris: HAV.PA) is a global advertising and communications services group. Headquartered in Paris, Havas operates through its two worldwide networks, Euro RSCG Worldwide and Havas Media, which are headquartered in New York and Barcelona, respectively, and through a number of independent agencies renowned for their creativity, such as Arnold Worldwide Partners. A multicultural and decentralized group, Havas is present in more than 75 countries through its networks of agencies and contractual affiliations. The group offers a broad range of communications services, including traditional advertising, direct marketing, media planning and buying, corporate communications, sales promotion, design, human resources, sports marketing, multimedia interactive communications and public relations. Havas employs approximately 14,400 people. For more information, go to www.havas.com.

SOURCE Arnold